Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Specter of Death- Part 22

In painstakingly slow and
deliberate speech, Dr. Tynesdale explained the symbols found on the victims
prior to Seth.

“Now, here’s where we find something different,” the
doctor said, pointing to an autopsy photo of Seth. “Up until your friend, the
victims were all 'keys to the beyond.' This time, there is a key rune intertwined
with this symbol here.” Dr. Tynesdale held up his tablet with a page from
Seth’s Runeation. “However, it also
resembles another symbol on page eighty-three so it could mean two very
different things.”

Sensing his colleague was more accustomed
to giving lectures than offering his professional opinion for a murder case;
Bill discreetly glanced at the ladies to see how they were holding up. Kim’s
jaw clenched, in an effort to keep from interrupting, while Angela chewed on
her lower lip. Gillian’s eyes had a glazed, distant appearance. It wasn’t until
he noticed her hands—balled into fists so tight that her knuckles had turned
white and Bill feared her fingernails would dig into her palms and draw blood.
It was time for him to intervene.

“Since time is of the essences here, Phillip, what can we
do to aid in determining which symbols are correct?” Bill asked. “You know I’m
willing to do anything I can to assist. I’m sure these lovely ladies would too.”

Angela and Gillian nodded in
agreement. The ringing of Dr. Tynesdale’s phone cut off Kim’s verbal
acknowledgement. From the doctor’s end, he uttered “ah, yes” and “I see” multiple times before the call ended. Again, the four friends waited for answers that
seemed to never come.

“It seems we were wrong in assuming your friend Seth
created these symbols. Apparently, they are part of the teachings for a group
called Seekers of the Astral Beyond, also known as The Seekers. There is an
acknowledgement to The Seekers on the last page of Runeation.” Dr. Tynesdale explained. “My assistant informed me that
The Seekers have; what I believe they refer to as … an inner sanctum, on the
other side of town.”

“I’ll go!” Gillian blurted out before the doctor could
finish his sentence.

“Now, dear,” Dr. Tynesdale answered. “Please don’t take
offense but I think this might be a better job for our mutual friend, Bill. I
might be old fashioned but sending a beautiful, young woman into a hive of
fanatics just doesn’t sound chivalrous … or safe! They could snatch you up and
we’d never see you again. Cults like The Seekers have a terrible reputation.”

“I can take care of myself,” Gillian objected. She hated
being brushed aside simply for being a woman and her scowl showed it.

“Jilly, we know you can,” Kim said as she placed a comforting
hand on Gillian’s arm. “But, we have no idea who these people are. For all we
know, they might be responsible for Seth’s murder. I think I speak for everyone
when I say we can’t bear losing another friend. Maybe it would be best if we
found another way for you to help.”

“So, why is okay for Bill to go alone? If they killed
Seth they can kill any of us,” argued Gillian.

“You’re right, no one should go alone,” said Angela. “That’s
why I
am going with Bill. If it wasn’t for that shadow spirit thing following you, I’d
be behind you going, Jilly, but until we know who or what that thing is … I
think you should lay low.”

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About Me

Horror Writer and Author of the "Journal of the Undead" series.
To see an excerpt of "Journal of the Undead: Littleville Uprising" go to the 6/13/13 Preview post under Archives.
Contact me at: leesg1023@yahoo.com
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